JHB North - Feb 2021

Up, up and away
Looking for a larger-than-life, unforgettable experience? Tucked away in the
heart of Magalies and nestled within the gorgeous scenic landscape, the thrill
of adventure awaits at Bill Harrop’s Original Balloon Safaris. It's sunrise … the
silence of the flight is punctuated only by the occasional blast of the powerful
burners and the faint call of a bird or animal far beneath. The thrill is indescribable.
You’re hovering gently above the treetops of the beautiful Magalies River Valley
or drifting majestically high above the Magaliesberg mountain range as the sun
creeps over the horizon. Peaceful. Something you have to experience at least once
in your life. After landing, savour a scrumptious breakfast at the Clubhouse Pavilion
and Restaurant. Details: balloon.co.za
Hearty country dining
Whether a family breakfast, lingering
lunch or romantic dinner is right
up your alley, pull in at The Fat
Olive Restaurant. Situated on
the banks of a natural irrigation
dam with expansive views of the
distant Magaliesberg mountains
(once again!), expect to be treated
to delectable dishes that fuse a
Mediterranean flavour into your
dining experience. Keep an eye out
for the birds and wildlife. It’s common
to see a zebra family wandering to
drink water or a blesbok herd thunder
past. Details: thefatolive.co.za
An aerial adventure
There’s something exciting about
cable car rides that’s hard to beat,
especially if it’s a trip on the longest
mono-cableway in Africa. Harties
Aerial Cableway offers uninterrupted
360° panoramic views of the
Magaliesberg mountain range,
Hartbeespoort Dam and surrounding
areas. But, the fun doesn’t end when
your ride stops. There are restaurants,
express food stalls and stunning
seating areas and bomas, a Dassie
Loop Walkway and Kidzone, making it
the ultimate family excursion.
The Adventure Centre at the base
station is the perfect way to end
off the day, offering opportunities
to paraglide, abseil, hike and more.
Details: hartiescableway.co.za
For the love of cheese…
This may sound cheesy (see what we
did here!), but a trip to Van Gaalen
Kaasmakerij is something quite
exquisite. You can do a tour around
the cheese farm, which combines a
demo of the cheese-making process
with a special Dutch cheese tasting
(and a slice of the most marvellous
Dutch apple cake!). Or relax under
the trees at Terrace Restaurant with
beautiful views of the Magaliesberg
mountains while you tuck into a
cheese platter. They have lovely
picnic hampers available as well, but
you need to book at least a day in
advance. And just before you hit the
road, you really should pop into their
Farm Shop for a variety of delicious
cheeses, preserves, souvenirs and a
wide selection of Dutch favourites.
Details: vangaalen.co.za
February 21 Get It Magazine 05